What process allows suspended matter to settle in water treatment?

The process that allows suspended matter to settle in water treatment is sedimentation. This occurs when water containing suspended particles is left undisturbed in a large basin or tank, allowing the heavier particles to fall to the bottom due to gravity. Over time, this results in the formation of a layer of sediment, effectively removing these particles from the water column.

Sedimentation is critical in water treatment because it provides an efficient method for reducing turbidity and improving water clarity before further treatment steps, such as filtration and disinfection, are undertaken. It operates on the principle that denser and larger particles will settle quicker than smaller or less dense ones, making it an essential first step in the treatment process.

While processes like coagulation and flocculation also play significant roles in treating water, they are primarily responsible for aggregating smaller particles into larger clumps that can improve sedimentation. Filtration is a subsequent step that removes remaining particles post-sedimentation. Understanding sedimentation's role highlights its importance in achieving clean and safe water.